What began as a glitzy passion project built on friendship, fame, and football success has now taken a sharp legal turn.
Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes are facing a federal trademark infringement lawsuit over their Kansas City steakhouse, 1587 Prime, just months after opening its doors in September 2025.
The claim?
That the restaurant’s name unlawfully infringes on an already-established sneaker brand called 1587 Sneakers — and that the overlap has caused real confusion among consumers.
Why “1587” is suddenly at the center of a legal fight
The number 1587 wasn’t chosen at random.
For Kelce and Mahomes, it’s symbolic — a fusion of their jersey numbers:
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15 (Mahomes)
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87 (Kelce)
Together, they became 1587 Prime, a high-end steakhouse launched in partnership with hospitality group Noble 33, quickly turning into a celebrity hotspot and Swiftie pilgrimage site.
But according to a lawsuit filed on February 17, 2026, in the Southern District of New York, that same number had already been in use — commercially and culturally — by a sneaker company long before the restaurant existed.
Who is 1587 Sneakers — and why they’re suing
1587 Sneakers is a Boston-based, mission-driven brand founded to celebrate Asian American history and identity.
According to court filings and the brand’s website, the number 1587 refers to “the year Filipino sailors first arrived in what is now the United States” — believed to be the earliest recorded Asian presence in America.
The company:
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Began selling shoes in April 2023
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Appeared on Shark Tank
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Built a national following rooted in AAPI storytelling and cultural pride
The lawsuit argues that while Kelce and Mahomes filed a trademark application for 1587 Prime in late 2023, the sneaker company had already been openly and continuously using “1587” in commerce — a key standard in U.S. trademark law.
“Scores of consumers” allegedly confused
While the two trademarks are technically filed under different categories (restaurant vs. apparel), the lawsuit claims the distinction doesn’t hold up in practice.
According to the filing:
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Consumers have contacted 1587 Sneakers believing the companies are affiliated
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1587 Prime sells branded clothing, blurring category lines
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The steakhouse allegedly serves Asian-influenced dishes, further muddying perception
The plaintiffs are demanding:
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That 1587 Prime stop using the name
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An end to selling merchandise bearing “1587”
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Unspecified damages and legal fees
They also claim attempts to resolve the matter privately — including a cease-and-desist letter — were unsuccessful.
The sneaker brand’s emotional statement
In a public Instagram post, 1587 Sneakers cofounder Adam King addressed the lawsuit directly, striking a respectful but firm tone.
“When Sam and I dreamed up 1587 in our basement, our goal was simple: celebrate AAPI culture and make amazing products,” King wrote.
“It represents history, resilience, and a community that has long been overlooked.”
King emphasized that the legal action was not personal — and that the founders admire both NFL stars — but said the brand had no choice after suffering what it claims was significant harm.
“While we are fans of Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes and respect their accomplishments on the field and in the community, it’s important to acknowledge that 1587 has stood on its own for years now.”
What trademark law says — and why this isn’t simple
Attorney Ezra Salami, representing 1587 Sneakers, explained that trademark law prioritizes actual use, not filing dates.
“The mere filing of a USPTO application is not determinative,” Salami said.
“Federal law protects actual, open, and continuous use in commerce — not just paperwork.”
He added that trademarks filed without sustained commercial use are frequently dismissed in court.
In short:
This case won’t hinge on celebrity — but on timelines, usage, and consumer perception.
Silence from 1587 Prime — for now
As of publication:
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No public comment from Kelce or Mahomes
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No response from Noble 33 to PEOPLE’s request for comment
The lawsuit arrives at a complicated moment for both stars, who are already dealing with:
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Major offseason football decisions
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Injury recovery (Mahomes)
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Retirement speculation (Kelce)
And now — a growing off-field legal distraction.
Final word: fame doesn’t shield you from federal court
What makes this case especially combustible is its symbolism.
On one side:
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Two of the most famous athletes in America
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A luxury restaurant born from sports superstardom
On the other:
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A culturally rooted brand
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A number tied to overlooked history and identity
Whether this ends in a settlement, rebrand, or prolonged court battle, one thing is clear:
⚖️ The fight over “1587” is no longer just business — it’s personal, cultural, and very public.
And in Kansas City, the glow of 1587 Prime now comes with a shadow.




